A True "No Twist" Jig Head?

The Big Bite Baits Pendulate jig head is an open hook jig designed for suspending soft plastics when fishing vertical presentations especially when using modern sonar technology like forward facing sonar.

It features a unique, pendulum-style head with a built in swivel that helps to keep the bait in a more natural, horizontal position in the water. This makes it ideal for fishing in clear water situations, where fish can be more easily spooked.

The Pendulate Jig Head is available in a variety of sizes and weights, so you can choose the perfect one for your fishing application. It is also available in a variety of colors, so you can match your bait to the forage in the water.

Here are some of the features of the Big Bite Baits Pendulate Jig Head:

Pendulum-style head with a built-in swivel that helps to keep soft plastics in a more natural position in the water.

Built-in swivel that helps prevent line twist and keeping fish from throwing the bait.

Available in a variety of sizes and weights.

Available in a variety of colors.

Take a few moments and watch as fishing pro Wade Middleton gives an on the water presentation about the construction and benefits of Big Bite Bait's Pendulate jig head...

Fishing Spinnerbaits for Summer Bass

Spinnerbaits are a versatile bait that can be effective in a variety of conditions, but they can be especially deadly during the summer months. When bass are actively feeding in the summer, a spinnerbait can be a great way to get their attention and trigger aggressive strikes from big bass.

Here are several tips on how to fish spinnerbaits for summer bass:

Use the right size and color. The size and color of your spinnerbait will depend on the water clarity and the type of cover you're fishing. In clear water, use a smaller bait with a bright nickel or white, willow-leaf shaped blade. In dirty water, use a larger bait with a copper, gold or chartreuse colored, Colorado or Indiana style blade. Always  try to match the bait to the baitfish that the bass are feeding on when possible.

Vary your retrieve. The best way to fish a spinnerbait is to vary your retrieve. You can retrieve it slowly, quickly, or with a combination of both. You can also impart occasional twitches or pauses to imitate struggling baitfish. Experiment until you find a retrieve that's triggering strikes each time you hit the water.

Fish it around cover. Spinnerbaits are great for fishing around cover, such as rocks, weeds, docks and timber. Bass will often use the cover as hiding spots and ambush baitfish that swim by. When you're fishing around cover, make sure to work your spinnerbait close to it making contact as often as possible.

Burn it when working shallow flats. In the summer, bass will often move over shallow flats to feed, especially in low light conditions. This is a great time to burn a spinnerbait over and around cover found in the shallows to trigger staging bass waiting to ambush schools of baitfish. 

Take a few moments and watch this short video from the folks at Sportsman’s Outfitters discussing three specific patterns where spinnerbaits excel in catching summertime bass:

Are These Bass Lures the Best Pond Baits?

Ask ten anglers any question on how to fish for bass and you're likely to get a dozen or more different answers! 

That's definitely the case when asking about the "best" lures for fishing for bass in anysituation, especially the best baits for catching bass in ponds as we did in a previous post entitled "Best Lures for Fishing Ponds" :) 

The folks from Sportsman's Outfitters just released a video with their selections for the best pond baits; give a watch and see if you agree!

They offer some interesting options, some matching ours, others, not so much.

To me the bottom line is that just about any bait will work. It all comes down to personal preference, confidence in the bait and the type of cover present in the ponds you fish.

How to Pick Lures for Skipping Under Cover

Skipping docks and other overhanging cover is a great way to catch bass, especially in the summer when the fish are looking for shade and protection. When it comes to skipping however, not all lures are created equal. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a lure for skipping docks:

• Lure size: Smaller lures are easier to skip, but they may not be as visible to the fish. Larger lures are more visible, but they can be more difficult to skip. A good rule of thumb is to use a lure that is about 3-5 inches long but always experiment to see what lure is best for the conditions you’re facing.

• Lure shape: Lures with a flat side will skip better than those with a rounded bait. This is because the flat side helps the lure to glide across the water's surface just as flat-sided rocks do.

• Lure weight: Heavier lures will skip better than lighter lures. This is because they have more momentum and are less likely to be affected by wind or waves. However, too heavy of a lure can be difficult to skip and may not be as effective at attracting fish. Again experiment to see what’s best.

• Lure action: Lures with a lot of action, such as paddle tails or swimbaits, can be more effective at attracting fish. However, they can also be more difficult to skip.

Here are a few specific lures that are good for skipping docks and other cover:

• Soft plastic jerkbaits and stickbaits: These lures have a lot of natural appeal and are easy to skip. They are a good choice when skipping cover located in shallow water.

• Tubes: These lures are also easy to skip and have a lot of action on the fall. They can be a good choice for both shallow or deep water by altering the weight of the tube-style jighead.

• Jigs: Jigs with a flat side will skip well and can be dressed with a variety of flat-sided soft plastic baits. They can be a good choice for any water depth since different weight jigs can be used.

When trying to decide when to select a soft plastic bait like a soft stickbait versus a jig and trailer for skipping, it’s often best to consider the type of the cover you’re fishing.

Take a few minutes and watch as Pete from Omnia Fishing describes his approach to selecting the best skipping bait when he’s out on the water…

Fishing Paddletail Swimbaits for Deep Summer Bass

As summer progresses, bass tend to move deeper in search of cooler water and active forage. This can make them difficult to target, but paddletail swimbaits can be a great way to get their attention.

Paddletail swimbaits are soft plastic baits that feature a large, paddle-shaped tail. This tail creates a lot of water disturbance, which can be very attractive to bass. The baits also have a lifelike swimming action that can fool even the most finicky bass.

When fishing paddletail swimbaits for deep summer bass, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll need to use a heavy enough rod and reel to cast the bait effectively. You'll also need to use a line that is strong enough to handle the occasional big fish.

Second, you'll need to fish the bait in the right spots. Look for areas where there is deep water with some structure and cover, such as ledges, humps, or brush piles. Bass will often hold on or near these areas during the summer months.

Third, you'll need to use the right retrieve. A slow, steady retrieve is often the best way to fish paddletail swimbaits for deep summer bass. As always if a one retrieve is not producing, vary your retrieve to see what it takes to trigger the bass into striking.

Want a little more insight from a Bassmaster Elite pro?

Take a few minutes and watch as bass pro Buddy Gross describes his approach for using swimbaits to trigger deep, structure-oriented bass into biting!

Fishing a Jig Worm for Summer Bass

The jig worm is a versatile bait that can be used to catch bass in a variety of situations, but it is especially effective during the summer months. This is because bass tend to be more lethargic in the hot weather and they are more likely to strike slower moving bait.

To rig a jig worm, you will need an open-hook jig head and a soft plastic worm. The size of the jig head will depend on the depth of water you are fishing and the size of the bass you are targeting. For shallow water, you can use a 1/16-ounce to 1/4-ounce jig head. For deeper water, you may need to use a heavier jig head especially when the wind is blowing.

The type of soft plastic worm you use is also important. In the summer, I like to use a worm with either a curly or ribbon tail; natural colors like green pumpkin and watermelon for clear water and dark or bright colors for stained water. These tail-types give the worm more action during the retrieve helping attract the attention of finicky summer bass.

A spinning rod is ideal for fishing a jig worm because it allows you to make long casts and retrieve the bait slowly. Select a 6.5' to 7.25' medium-light or medium power, fast action spinning rod with matching reel and 6 to 10-lb test fluorocarbon line for best results.

When rigging the jig worm, simply thread the worm onto the jig head. Make sure that the worm is threaded on straight and tight to keep the rig from spinning during the retrieve resulting in line twist.

Once the jig worm is rigged, you are ready to start fishing. I like to fish the jig worm in areas with cover, such as weeds, rocks, and docks. Bass are more likely to be active in the shade during the hot summer months therefore start working the shady-side of cover being fished. 

Begin the retrieve by casting the jig worm out and let it sink to the bottom. Next, slowly work the jig worm back in, making sure to twitch the rod tip occasionally to give the worm a bottom-hugging, swimming action summer bass seems to prefer.

Take a few moments and watch the following video from the folks at W2F providing on the water insight and tips on fishing the jig worm along grass lines for summer bass:

The jig worm is a great bait for catching summer bass. It is a simple bait to use, and it is effective in a variety of situations. If you are looking for a bait to help you catch more bass this summer, the jig worm is a great option.

Can You Power Fish with Frogs?

Yes, of course you can power fish for bass using hollow belly frogs. 

In fact, it can be an effective way to catch big bass, especially during the warmer months when fishing mats of thick vegetation. To effectively power fish with a hollow belly frog, you will need a heavy power, fast action rod and a quality matching reel with a good drag and spooled with 50-60 pound test braided line. Next pick a heavier frog model that depresses the mat and makes it easier for the bass to eat it.

When fishing directly across the matted vegetation, cast the frog out into the mat and let it sit for a few seconds. Then, start retrieving the frog with a steady, moderate to slow retrieve while on top of the mat. This helps the bass located the bait through the canopy of vegetation between it and the frog.

Anytime the frog crosses an open water hole, spped up the retrieve and impart some hard twitches. This will cause the frog to make a popping sound as it moves across the open water, attracting the attention of bass. If you feel a bass hit the frog, set the hook hard and reel the fish in quickly before it buries in the weeds and works itself free.

Take a few minutes and watch as bass pro John Cox demonstrates his approach to power fishing frogs in this video produced by the folks at MLF...

Things to Consider When Picking Bass Jigs

Bass jigs are a versatile lure that can be used in a variety of situations, but there are a few important factors to consider when picking one.

• Weight: The weight of the jig will determine how fast it will sink, so it's important to choose one that is appropriate for the water clarity and depth of water you're fishing. In general, a heavier jig will sink faster and be more effective in clearer, deeper water, while a lighter jig will be easier to work in stained, shallow water.
• Size: The size of the jig will also affect its action in the water. A larger jig and trailer will have a larger profile and may be more visible to fish, while a smaller jig will be more subtle and may be easier to fish around cover.
• Head shape: The head shape of the jig will affect its ability to crawl over cover and its action in the water. A bullet head jig will be more snag-resistant when fishing wood and grass, while a football head jig will have a more erratic action and is a great option when fishing rock structures.
• Trailer: The trailer you choose will also affect the action of the jig. A flanged plastic trailer will add more movement and vibration while a straight-tail plastic trailer will be more durable and offers a more subtle presentation.
• Color: The color of the jig is also important, but it's often a matter of personal preference. Many anglers prefer natural color patterns in clear water and opt for brighter colors in dirty water. Experiment with different colors to see what works best in your area.

Take a few minutes and watch as bass pro and Missile Baits owner, John Crews provides his insight on things to consider when selecting bass jigs:

Fishing Squarebill Crankbaits During the Summer

When it comes to summer bass fishing, anglers are always on the lookout for effective techniques and lures. One lure that consistently proves its worth is the squarebill crankbait. Renowned for its ability to dive through shallow cover and provoke aggressive strikes, the squarebill crankbait is a go-to option for targeting bass during the warm summer months. 

Here are several pointers on the art of fishing squarebill crankbaits that also reveal some great tips to help you maximize your success this summer:

Understanding Squarebill Crankbaits

Squarebill crankbaits are characterized by their square-shaped diving lip located right at the front of the lure. This design allows them to deflect off obstacles in the  shallows (< 5’ deep), making them ideal for fishing in areas with submerged rocks, docks, timber, or weeds. The erratic wobbling action of the squarebill crankbait mimics an injured baitfish, triggering a bass's predatory instinct into striking.

Selecting the Right Rod, Reel & Line Combo

Before hitting the water, ensure you have the appropriate gear for squarebill crankbait fishing. A 6'6" to 7.25’ medium-heavy power, moderate-fast action casting rod with a low-profile, 6.8 gear ratios baitcasting reel is recommended though spinning gear can be used if preferred. The robust rod provides the strength needed to handle the fish and keep it away from obstacles in the water. Match the rod with a high-quality fluorocarbon line in the 12-20 pound test range, offering good sensitivity and abrasion resistance.

Choosing the Right Squarebill Crankbait

Squarebill crankbaits come in various sizes, colors, and associated diving depths. For summer fishing when bass are often targeting smaller forage, opt for smaller sizes with diving depths ranging from 2 to 5 feet. Natural colors such as shad, crawfish, or bluegill patterns are often effective in clear water and use brighter colors like chartreuse in murkier water or low-light conditions.

Scouting the Fishing Spots

During the summer, bass tend to retreat to the shaded areas of heavier cover in the shallows. Look for weed lines, submerged rocks, fallen trees, or docks close to drop-offs, points or creek channels. These spots provide ideal ambush points for bass to target prey, making them prime locations to work with your squarebill crankbait.

Retrieval Techniques

The key to success with squarebill crankbaits often lies in the way it’s retrieved. Start by casting your lure near the target area, letting it sit for a moment after it touches the water, and then start reeling it in with a steady retrieve through the cover. The squarebill's design imparts its erratic wobbling action during the retrieve typically drawing the attention of nearby bass. Keep the retrieval speed medium to fast, varying it occasionally to trigger reaction strikes.

When your crankbait bumps into rocks or other cover, let it pause for a moment since its natural buoyancy will cause it to rise slightly, and then give it a slight twitch or pop to imitate a distressed baitfish. This action often entices bass to strike, thinking they've found an easy meal. Remember, it's crucial to keep the lure close to the cover so it maintains periodic contact with it.

Adapt to Environmental Conditions Each Trip

Pay attention to the water temperature, clarity, and the bass's behavior to adapt your presentation. During hot summer days, bass may become lethargic, so consider slowing down your retrieval speed and imparting more subtle movements to tempt finicky bass into biting. In murky water, choose lures with more prominent rattles or vibrant colors to help bass locate your crankbait. Conversely, in clear water, opt for more natural and subtle presentations.

Fishing with squarebill crankbaits for summer bass can be both challenging and rewarding. As you gain experience and fine-tune your presentation techniques, you'll develop a knack for pinpointing the ideal cover and retrieves thereby triggering more strikes from even the most reluctant bass.

Dean's Go-To Frog Knot

Anyone who follows the top bass tournament trails has not only heard of Dean Rojas but likely knows he is an expert hollow body frog fisherman. As a matter of fact, he's so much of an expert that the folks at SPRO U.S.A. have been working with Dean to develop their line of Bronzeye Frogs for many years.

Where many bass anglers often rely on knots like the Palomar or Improved Clinch knot for many applications, Dean's preferred frog knot is a slight twist on an all-time favorite as he demonstrates in the short video below!

I hope it helps keep those big gals pinned to your favorite kermy!